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Local reps applaud work of district and outcome of work with commissioner
June 9, 2009
AUGUSTA – Oxford County legislators announced today that Education Commissioner Susan Gendron has agreed to “stand alone” status for SAD 44 under the state’s school consolidation law.
SAD 44 had made progress in consolidating with SADs 43, 21 and 39 when there was a break-down in negotiations. A subsequent change in status of School Union 37 in Rangeley left SAD 44 in the lurch for a second time.
“Having worked hard to meet the consolidation criteria, we believe that SAD 44 should be exempt,” said Peterson. “We appreciate the Commissioner’s recognition of the district’s hard work and geographical challenges. Realistically speaking, there are no remaining partners for SAD 44 – they shouldn’t be penalized for that.”
Local officials and area legislators met with Commissioner Gendron at the State House Tuesday to discuss the work SAD 44 has done in order to come into compliance with Maine’s school district consolidation statutes. SAD 44 Superintendent Dave Murphy, and SAD 44 Attorney Dick Spencer, joined Commissioner Gendron and Rep. Matt Peterson (D-Rumford), Sen. Bruce Bryant (D-Oxford), Rep. Sawin Millett (R-Waterford), and Rep. Jarrod Crockett (R-Bethel). As a result of the meeting, Gendron agreed to exempt SAD 44 from any financial penalties for failure to consolidate.
“We appreciate Commissioner Gendron listening to our concerns and finding that the SAD 44 school board had done their due diligence in trying to comply with existing statutes,” said Sen. Bryant. “We are delighted that she has foregone any penalties and allowed SAD 44 to become a ‘donut hole.’”
Other rural districts throughout the state have experienced similar challenges in implementing the state’s consolidation plan. Communities have had to appeal to the Maine Department of Education for exemptions.
“We certainly tried to make this work,” said Crockett. “The voters in the Bethel area played by the rules, but it just didn’t work out. I think the Commissioner’s decision today was a breakthrough for common sense.”
Contact:
Rep. Matt Peterson, 776-8051
Sen. Bruce Bryant, 562-8872
Katie Dzurec, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433